I HAVE every sympathy with Nick Adams (Postbag, January 31) concerning the rating of empty commercial property. It may be remembered that at the request of all the local councils I was asked to open a temporary and free car park at Odsey, which I did. I

I HAVE every sympathy with Nick Adams (Postbag, January 31) concerning the rating of empty commercial property.

It may be remembered that at the request of all the local councils I was asked to open a temporary and free car park at Odsey, which I did.

I was then charged £1,300 rates for doing so. I closed the car park. I am now told that from 1 April I will have to pay the council £1,300 empty property rates.

I am informed by South Cambridgeshire District Council that this is a Government initiative: to increase the supply of premises to let as well as to bring forward brownfield sites for re-development.

Take it as you will, but this is another top-down Government directive which local councils see as a further opportunity to raise cash.

There are exemptions, but the chances of qualifying are remote.

We are coming up to local elections in May.

Does it not seem an opportunity for us, the electors, to take on these overbearing and all-powerful councils who seem to think they can for ever Lord it over us.

I do not know much about North Herts District Council, but I do know a great deal about South Cambridgeshire District Council and it's recent leadership which has been anything but attractive.

Anyone who doubts this should read the Audit Commission report: Corporate Governance Inspection - South Cambridgeshire District Council which was published in January.

JEREMY FORDHAM

Odsey